Note: This blog is one section of the Bryant’s Maritime Consulting website. Visit the site for more extensive maritime regulatory information. Individual concerns may be addressed by retaining Dennis Bryant directly. Much of the highlighted text in this newsletter constitutes links to Internet sites providing more detailed information. Links on this page may be in PDF format, requiring use of Adobe Acrobat Reader. Comments on these postings are encouraged and may be made by clicking the envelope that appears at the end of each posting. Be aware that the daily blog entry is a single posting, even though it contains a number of individual items. The Ship of Theseus sails forever.

EPA & USCG – enforcement of air pollution requirements

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a news release stating that it and the US Coast Guard entered into a Memorandum of Understanding on the joint enforcement of air pollution requirements for vessels operating in US waters. (6/27/11). Note: The North America Emission Control Area (ECA) will become enforceable in August 2012.

San Francisco Bay – Interagency Operations Center

The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that a new Interagency Operations Center (IOC) will be formally opened on Yerba Buena Island in San Francisco Bay on June 28. The purpose of the IOC is to provide for improved planning, coordination, and execution of maritime operations in the Bay Area involving multiple federal, state, and local agencies. (7/27/11).

NTSB – meeting

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued a notice stating that it will meet in Washington, DC on July 12. Among the matters to be considered is the marine accident report concerning the collision between a Coast Guard vessel and a recreational vessel in San Diego on December 20, 2009. 76 Fed. Reg. 37842 (June 28, 2011).

EPA – coastal development and rising sea levels

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) posted a 179-page document entitled Rolling Easements. The document was prepared as part of the Climate Ready Estuaries Program. It explores the tension between coastal development and rising sea levels. (June 2011). Note: While the focus of the report is on beach property, such as hotels and vacation homes, some of the same issues apply to all coastal properties, including wharves, shipyards, and refineries.

NOAA & USN – survey of Civil War wrecks

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a news release stating that it and the US Navy have embarked on a research expedition to survey the condition of two sunken Civil War vessels resting on the bed of the James River in Hampton Roads, Virginia. The USS Cumberland was lost on March 8, 1862, after being rammed by the Confederate ironclad CSS Virginia (formerly the USS Merrimack). The CSS Florida was lost on November 19, 1864 following a collision with a US Navy troop ferry. (6/27/11).

India & Mozambique – counter-piracy discussions

The Indian Ministry of Defence issued a press release stating that a delegation led by the Minister of National Defence of the Republic of Mozambique is visiting India. The two governments will discuss, among other things, increased cooperation in combating piracy, including joint maritime patrolling off the coast of Mozambique. (6/27/11).

India – unified UN force needed to combat piracy

The Indian Ministry of Shipping issued a press release stating that, while the current international cooperation to combat piracy is a good first step, a unified United Nations force will be required if piracy is to be eradicated. (6/27/11).

Singapore – Green Port Programme

The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) issued a circular announcing establishment of its Green Port Programme (GPP). Under the GPP, a 15% abatement in port dues will be granted to ocean-going ships that use type-approved abatement/scrubber technology or clean fuels during the entire port stay (of 5 days or less) within the Singapore Port Limits. Port Marine Circular 03-2011 A similar inducement is being established to encourage owners and operators of Singapore-flag vessels to reduce harmful air emissions. Shipping Circular 12-2011 (6/27/11).

UK – response to diving incidents

The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) issued a press release stating that during 2010 it responded to232 diving-related incidents, including 66 decompression illness and 32 rapid ascent incidents. Medical emergencies accounted for 32 incidents. The total number of incidents, which included twelve fatalities, has increased in the last two years. (6/27/11).

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About Me

After graduating from the US Coast Guard Academy, he served 27 years active duty, retiring as a Captain in 1995. While on active duty, he made three Arctic patrols (and was seconded to the icebreaking tanker MANHATTAN during its Northwest Passage transit in 1969). After law school, he served in a variety of legal assignments, including as the agency’s Law of the Sea Officer. He supervised implementation of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90). This project involved preparation of regulations relating to double hulls for oil tankers and vessel response plans, among others. In 1995, he joined the law firm of Haight Gardner Poor & Havens, specializing in the government regulation of ships. He advised clients worldwide on compliance with international, US, and state laws impacting vessel operation. He published via email to 5,000 readers worldwide the daily newsletter Maritime Items on governmental developments impacting the industry. In 2009, Mr. Bryant moved into maritime regulatory consulting. He continues to publish a daily newsletter, but it is now distributed via the Blog. He writes extensively, speaks at fora worldwide, and is quoted frequently in the trade press.